On this adventurous tour
of contrasts, we take in the Amazon rainforest, the high Andes and
the amazing Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
We cross the
eastern watershed of the Andes, and bike down to the jungle basin.
Returning to Cuzco by air, we set off on foot past the revered peak
of Salkantay and along the breathtaking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Joining the tour
On booking, you will be sent the following information: name and
address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and time of
rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight
stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Join the tour in Lima. (1 night hotel)
Day 2
We take an early flight from the Pacific coast to Cuzco (3400
metres). Having checked in to our hotel, we have all day today and
tomorrow to absorb the unique atmosphere of Peru's historical
capital, while adapting to the altitude. (2 nights hotel)
Day 3
Cuzco's past is a fusion of indigenous and Spanish colonial,
as is seen in the way perfectly interlocking Inca stonework
juxtaposes with whitewashed, red-tiled houses and huge churches.
Cuzco is a great city to lose yourself in, amid its labyrinthine
alleyways and teeming markets.
Just outside the town, and easily accessible on foot, are some
spectacular archaeological sites such as the stunning Sacsayhuaman,
a monumental temple-fortress of pharaonic proportions made up of
precisely fitting stones, some weighing upward of 200 tons!
Further
afield, and easily reached by local bus, is the town of
Pisac, with its fascinating twice-weekly produce and crafts market
as well as the nearby citadel of Pisaqa, featuring the most
impressive Inca agricultural terraces in the area.
In the evening you may wish to seek out one of many Andean folk
bands frequenting the lively 'penas' for which Cuzco is renowned.
Day 4-6
We load our bikes onto the support vehicle, and leave Cuzco
early, heading south to Urcos before climbing east out of the
Vilcanota valley to the small town of Ocongate in the shadow of
Mount Ausangate (6384 metres).
We proceed to the pass of Huallahualla (4850 metres), the highest
point of our journey, before getting on our bikes and commencing the
descent towards the Amazon basin. Tonight we'll stop at Marcapata
and relax in thermal pools (214km from Cuzco, at 3000m).
Our second day sees us descend by bike to Quincemil (1100 metres),
about 280 km from Cuzco and 71 km from Marcapata.
On the third day we continue to Mazuco (71 km, at 400m), our
overnight stop. (3 nights camping or simple hostels, all meals)
Day 7
Today we complete the final 170 km, by bus and bike, to the
frontier town of Puerto Maldonado (250m).
A small boat takes us along the Madre de Dios river (part of the
Amazon system) to our jungle lodge.(2 nights jungle lodge, all
meals)
Day 8
Today we head off with a specialist guide in search of flora
and fauna.
Day 9
We return by river to Maldonado (population 17000), a boom
town with a unique buzz, located near the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. (1 night hotel)
Day 10
A 30 minute flight takes us back up to Cuzco, where the
remainder of today and all day tomorrow are free. White-water
rafting may appeal, as might a visit by local transport or mountain
bike, to the pre-Inca site of Piquillacta, the Inca sites of Tipon
or Moray, or the spectacular salt-mine terraces near Maras. (2
nights hotel)
Day 11
Free in Cuzco.
Day 12-18
This fully supported trek covers a distance of
approximately 80 km. It is a beautiful walk, with the awesome
backdrop of Salkantay, the range's highest mountain, for the first
two days. Along the breathtaking route we experience an impressive
sweep of altitudes, from the ice-capped summit of Salkantay down
through puna grassland and cloud forest to sub-tropical jungle at
2000 metres above sea level.
On the first day we leave Cuzco early and drive to the sub-tropical
town of Mollepata (2800 metres), situated in a citrus growing area.
It is common to hear flocks of screeching parakeets as we trek
northwards.
Today's destination is the five family hamlet of Soray at 3500
metres, about 16 km away. We camp in the valley at the foot of the
towering peaks of Humantay (5917metres) and Salkantay (6271 metres).
On the second day we climb steadily towards Salkantay and our
target, the pass of Incachillasca, at 4830 metres the highest point
on our trek. This is a tough but spectacular day's walking.
Descending from the desolate screes we camp on the high puna
grasslands. (Pampa Cahuana, 14km walking, at 3800m)
On the third day we trek down the broad Cusichaca Valley, backed by
imposing snowpeaks. We pass the Inca site of Paucarcancha, remote
farming settlements and stone corrals as we descend to join the
famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the village of Huayllabamba
(3000m, 12 km walking).
Although it formed only a small part of the
extensive network of Inca highways criss-crossing the vast empire,
this 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu clearly had important ritual
functions and probably served as a sacred pilgrimage route related
to the veneration of natural and celestial phenomena.
Many well preserved archaeological sites of fine engineering and
construction along the trail suggest that access was limited to an
elite. The absence of both The Trail and Machu Picchu from the early
Spanish chronicles demonstrates that their existence was not known
of during colonial times, and explains why the Inca structures
escaped the systematic destruction at the hands of Spanish
conquerors.
The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the
rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed.
Hummingbirds can be found all along the trail, and typical at high
altitude are birds of prey such as puna hawks, harriers, buzzard
eagles and sometimes Andean condors. It is also possible to see some
of the 60 species of orchid which have been identified and
classified in this area.
The second stage of our trek begins on the fourth day with a long
climb to the pass of Huarmiwanusca (4200 metres). From here, we
descend to our camp in the Pacasmayo Valley (14km, 3600 metres), or
near the ruins of Runkurakay.
The fifth day begins with an ascent to the third pass at 4000
metres, from where we descend a paved Inca path to the dramatic
ruins of Sayajmarca, and continue on through the lush cloud forest
to our next camp at Phuyupatamarca (14km , at 4200m). The view into
the deep, forested Urubamba Gorge is awesome.
On the sixth day, after a dramatic descent of approximately 1500
metres on Inca stairways, we arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
From here we catch sight of Machu Picchu spread out below.
We drop down to the site mid-afternoon before descending a further
400 metres to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes (12 km, 2000m).
Tonight we stay in a hostel in the town and you can take a well
earned soak in the hot springs (optional). (5 nights camp, 1 night
hostel, all meals except last night dinner )
Day 18
We have all morning to explore the site further (optional),
possibly climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain or visit the
Moon Temple. In the afternoon we will return to Cuzco, by train. (1
night hotel)
Day 19
Today we fly to Lima, the City of Kings. The afternoon is
free to explore the city or enjoy the local seafood. (1 night hotel)
Day 20
Tour ends Lima.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical information
Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will
be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on
things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable
hotels. In little-visited wilderness areas, accommodation is more
simple. When camping we use two person lightweight tents. On the
ride and trek, all equipment is transported for us and meals are
prepared by our local cook.
Fitness and experience
In order to get the most out of the tour you
should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the
fitness level required for the biking expedition and trek, since it
is a subjective matter. However, we recommend you get in plenty of
biking time before departure.
We will bike approximately six to
eight hours per day with several long ascents and descents. Trekking
days, also of up to eight hours, similarly involve several long
ascents and descents. NB The bike trip is fully supported: our
support vehicle is at our disposal should any riders wish to sit out
a tricky section. On the trek all personal belongings other than a
day-pack are carried for you. You are only expected to carry your
day-pack.
Altitude
Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at
altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The
highest point on the bike ride is 4850m, and on the trek, 4830m, but
we will be camping below that level.
Climate
Peru is located entirely within the tropics, but the
climate varies significantly according to season and geographical
zone.
Coast
May to October damp and misty but very little rain. (Average
day/night temperature in Lima 20C/13C)
December to March warm and sunny.
Highlands
May to October sunny days and chilly evenings. Best time for walking
in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in Cuzco 21C/3C)
(N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well below freezing
at night, and the sun is very strong).
December to March rainy season.
Visas
Currently, no visa is required by British citizens visiting
Peru, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after
the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check visa
requirements with the Peruvian Embassy. All requirements are subject
to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for
latest advice as requirements are subject to change. Vaccinations
for yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis and polio are
recommended and malaria precautions are needed for visiting jungle
areas.
Personal expenses
We recommend you carry funds in US dollars cash
(mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and US
dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and
typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM
machines are available in most large towns visited on this
itinerary. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for
obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the biking and
trekking expeditions and all breakfasts elsewhere, but you will need
money to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 30-50%
cheaper than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($25 international,
$7 national); optional excursions (rafting $25); extra entrance
fees; tips; laundry etc.
International Flights
We can arrange your international flights at
competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices
are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance
Your insurance policy must cover you against medical
expenses and repatriation. If you do not purchase insurance from us,
please ensure it covers all activities you will be participating in,
including trekking, mountain biking and white-water rafting if
applicable. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible
after booking.
Luggage & Equipment
Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be
left in the Cusco hotel while you are biking and trekking. For the
ride and trek, re-pack into a kit bag, holdall or rucksack. This
will contain your sleeping bag, torch, toiletries, changes of
clothes, spare footwear etc. It will be transported for you by
vehicle (biking expedition) and donkey/porter (trek). You will also
require a day-pack to carry items you need to hand. For the biking
expedition, bike and helmet are provided. Bring your own cycling
gloves and cycling shorts/trousers.
(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive
equipment list).
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
Optional extensions
If you would like to spend more time in Peru or
neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Just some of the
extensions we offer are:
-
High altitude train journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca.
-
Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
-
Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.
-
4 day Amazon rainforest expedition into the Tambopata Reserved
Zone.
-
5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures: Peru
Population: 25 mill (50% indian, 32% mestizo, 12% white and 2%
black).
Capital city: Lima, population approximately 7.5 million.
Geography: Five times the size of the UK, Peru, the third largest
country in South America, covers 1.28 million sq km. It is bounded
to the N by Ecuador and Colombia, to the E by Brazil and Bolivia, to
the S by Chile, and to the W by the Pacific Ocean.
Economy: Agriculture (33% of economically active popn), fishing and
mining are the traditional sectors of employment, with manufacturing
(10%) increasingly important. The service industry employs 27% of
the workers. Major food crops are rice, maize and potatoes, while
the major cash crops are coca and coffee. Important exports are
copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver and petrol. |
